Treasures For Sale In Barrington

People's itch to uncover a treasure took precedence over cold, rainy weather as more than 2,900 people trekked to the 3rd Annual Barrington Community-Wide Treasure Sale recently.

Held in the barns on the Good Shepherd Hospital campus, the Treasure Sale brought some revenue and exposure to about 25 Barrington-area not-for-profit groups, clubs and civic organizations ranging from the New Generations high school-age youth group to the Barrington Area Council on Aging.

As chairman John Hipsky, vice president of the Barrington Area Historical Society, which sponsors the event, stood buttoned up against the chill watching the constant flow of traffic, he explained the draw.

"It's something people can enjoy. We have something that brings people together. And it helps organizations make some money and lets people know what their organization does," he said.

The trip was worthwhile on all accounts for Lake Barrington 13-year-old Lindsey Dayton, who was scouting out bargains inside the barns.

"They have lots of jewelry, books and things," said Dayton, who found several items at the Volunteer Center of Greater Barrington booth, where earrings were going for 25 cents to $1. She also took the center's phone number with the idea of volunteering wherever she might be needed.

Her mom, Kim Dayton, liked the sale's entire concept.

"It's something to do on a cold, damp day. But the other nice part of this is you find out about other organizations that need volunteers. I already volunteer at St. Anne (Catholic Church), but Lindsey has been looking for a place," Kim Dayton said.

At the Volunteer Center booth, board member Adrienne Kalmes of Barrington was doing a brisk business selling accessories that members had donated. By the end of the day, the center had raked in $300. "We did very well. But we're also there to remind people about the Volunteer Center," she said.

Several of the workers, wearing their organization's T-shirts, were walking advertisements for their booths. Ida Dever of Prospect Heights pointed to the Northwest Chapter of Lyric Opera of Chicago logo on the front of her shirt.

"See, this is who we are," said Dever, the chapter president.

Not all the volunteers were in the barns.

Outside, a shivering handful of 8th-grade National Junior Honor Society members from Barrington Middle School-Station Campus had charge of the gate receipts. Admission was $1 for people over 12.

Although the consensus was that volunteering would be a lot better if the weather had been nice, Hoffman Estates 14-year-old Ayrielle Bavaro thought that being there was a good idea. "It's fun, and the money goes to different charities," Bavaro said.

Barrington High School junior Audrey Fox, 17, of Barrington had a similar outlook when she took over the ticket table on the next shift. "It's cold. But I like to do volunteer work for the community. Volunteering is the best. I like to help other people," she said.